Transmission networks are the backbone of electricity systems, responsible for moving large amounts of electricity from where it is generated to where it is needed. Across the world, expansions in power generation capacity will need to be supplemented with significant build outs of transmission networks. This is vital for balancing the variability in renewable energy and to ensure that renewable assets are built in the best possible locations.
Expanding transmission infrastructure can aid the global transition. Studies in the United States, Europe and the Middle East and North Africa have shown the value in those places, but transmission can benefit countries and regions across the globe. Because the grid can be balanced more efficiently, we can avoid the need for additional supply or storage infrastructure, which would be more costly and have more significant environmental impacts.
This indicator seeks to track the total capacity of transmission grids globally. The length of transmission lines across the globe increased from 2.9 million kilometers in 2006 to 4.8 million km in 2021. To meet climate goals, the length of transmission lines should expand to 15 million km by 2030 and 18 million km by 2050. Recent growth is well off track to meet the 2030 goal, and would need to increase 7 times faster to be on track.